Forest Knowledge Gateway
Forest restoration and integrative management.

What makes a forest truly rich in biodiversity? Is it simply the number of trees, or the hidden structures that develop over decades – ancient trees, decaying wood, and the small habitats that support countless species? This study was conducted in Brabantse Wouden National Park in Belgium and explores how the Index of Biodiversity Potential (IBP) can help answer this question by comparing mature managed forests with forests where management has been stopped.

The results reveal a clear pattern: as forests are left to develop naturally, their biodiversity potential increases. The biggest changes come from the gradual accumulation of deadwood, very large trees and tree-related microhabitats, which provide essential resources for fungi, insects, birds and many other forest organisms.

But the study also shows that biodiversity and forest management are not opposites. Even managed forests can become more valuable for nature by protecting old trees, retaining deadwood and encouraging structural diversity.

The research confirms that the IBP is a powerful practical tool for guiding biodiversity-friendly forestry. However, mature forests can exceed the current scoring limits, meaning their ecological richness may be underestimated. Refining the index could help reveal the full value of Europe’s most biodiverse forests – and support better decisions for the forests of the future.

This illustrated guide presents practical approaches for managing protective forests in the Alps under climate change and increasing natural hazards. Developed within the MOSAIC project, it compiles best practices, silvicultural measures, biotechnical solutions, and real-world case studies from across the Alpine region. The publication highlights how resilient forests can reduce risks from avalanches, rockfalls, landslides, storms, bark beetle outbreaks, and wildfires while providing broader ecosystem benefits. Recommended measures include improving stand stability, diversifying tree species, managing natural regeneration, restoring forests through planting and seeding, and using deadwood strategically to enhance protection. The guide also showcases innovative tools, monitoring systems, nature-based solutions, and cross-border experiences from Slovenia, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. Overall, it promotes integrated, adaptive forest management as a cost-effective and sustainable approach to disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in mountain landscapes.

The LIFEProForPES project evaluates EU-funded initiatives to identify effective approaches for sustaining forest ecosystem services (FES) and scaling successful practices across Europe. The current report analysed 108 Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) and PES-like schemes using a Capital Asset Framework to assess project design, implementation arrangements, outcomes, and barriers to success.

The analysis combined data from previous Europe-funded projects, literature reviews, expert surveys, and interviews. PES outcomes were evaluated across human, social, natural, financial, and institutional capital, while also examining operational, institutional, and financial arrangements.

Results show that PES schemes mainly target regulating ecosystem services, especially water management. They have generated positive impacts on community engagement, employment, and environmental outcomes, but have had limited effects on household income. While local funding mechanisms are generally effective, European funding frameworks are often hindered by administrative complexity and bureaucratic requirements. Key challenges include financial constraints, limited stakeholder awareness, insufficient transparency, and weak community participation. At the same time, opportunities exist to strengthen public–private partnerships, improve governance, and harness new technologies. Overcoming these barriers is essential to enhance the long-term effectiveness and scalability of PES initiatives in Europe.